Your 3-year-old timeline: Preschooler proof

Your 3-year-old now
As your child becomes more physically capable, this is a good time to insist on some basic safety goals.
Enforce a helmet habit. If your child gets used to wearing one on her trike, she likely won't think twice about putting one on when she hops on her two-wheeler someday.
Make sure knives and other sharp objects are still out of reach now that your child is taller and more adept at climbing and opening drawers.
Continue to use the car seat every time as required by law. If your child has figured out how to unlatch herself, make it clear this is nonnegotiable and check to be sure she's snapped in before you start the engine and also while you're en route.
All medicines need to be locked up, as "up and away" may be just the temptation your child is looking for.
Be sure all playgrounds have safe surfaces under the climbing equipment.

Your life now
Firmness is great when it comes to discipline. But if you're sending your charge to time-out multiple times a day, something's not working. Either your expectations are too high or your rules are too numerous. Jumping on your child's case for every small infraction only leads to more defiance and power struggles. Generally three big rules are enough at this age, so sort your priorities. Rule of thumb: Limit time-outs to major infractions like hitting or breaking big household rules. You probably shouldn't need to resort to this punishment more than once a day. If she's spending half her life in time-out, readjust the rules, catch her being good, or consider whether boredom is setting in — maybe she needs a walk around the block or some new ideas for playtime.

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